A fox-dog hybrid? Part One
Thursday 4th May 2023A FOX-DOG HYBRID? PART ONE
In mid April 2023 I went to the Local and Family History Library in Leeds where they have a complete set of Country Life magazine from 1900 up to at least the 1980s. It has proved to be an excellent resource for Fortean Zoology. In the issue of May 3rd 1902 I found a letter with a photograph of an alleged fox-dog hybrid. I also found a second dog-fox hybrid story in the issue of May 17th 1902. I present the photo in this blog. The letter is too long to reproduce in its entirety here, I just present the main details: “
HYBRID DOG-FOX. Sir, I enclose herewith a photograph of a hybrid dog and fox that has been for some time in my possession. As to the question of her being a cross and hybrid there can be no dispute. She was bred close to my brother-in-law`s farm,whose address I enclose and who will confirm all I state. The fox was often seen to visit the collie bitch,and when young the pup could hardly be told from a true fox;she has grown fatter and heavier since,and even now I am constantly asked by strangers as to what breed she is,and if she is not partly fox…I believe she can see as well at night as a cat;has a splendid nose for rats or rabbits;she is also very sly and crafty in her ways at times;colour nearly the same as a fox,but not so much white…”
